BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A proposal to split Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne between the two governing institutions passed its first hurdle.

In a 7-2 vote, the Indiana University Board of Trustees on Thursday approved plans to realign control of the Fort Wayne campus. Now, the measure awaits final approval by the Purdue trustees, who will vote on the matter Dec. 16.

"The plan of realignment approved today by Indiana University’s Board of Trustees, which is expected to be adopted by Purdue's trustees at their Dec. 16 meeting, reaffirms both universities’ commitment to the Fort Wayne community, while differentiating the institutions’ respective educational contributions," read a joint statement from Purdue President Mitch Daniels and IU President Michael McRobbie.

Under the agreement, IU would control the campus' health science programs and Purdue would lead the rest of the academic programs. If approved, the changes will take place July 1, 2018, if all other conditions are met.

The change was spurred by Indiana lawmakers, who last year recommended the split after reviewing the campus' management.

"The last five years have seen numerous studies and initiatives undertaken by the state legislature, the Fort Wayne community and the IPFW campus that examine the governance structure of IPFW," the statement read. "Each endeavor has had merit, but until now there has been no definitive answer to the question, 'What is best for the campus community and its many stakeholders?' While neither Purdue University nor Indiana University initiated any of these studies, we have done our best to respond to their recommendations."

Fort Wayne has experienced a 16 percent decrease in enrollment in the past five years, from 14,326 students in 2011 to 12,010 this fall, according to enrollment data. The school's currently operating on a $3 million deficit, school officials previously told the Journal & Courier.

The difficulties experienced by the school also led to a separate, internal review of its programs. In October, officials announced plans to eliminate or restructure several programs and departments, prompting an outcry by members of the university community who say the proposed changes were made without proper consultation with faculty. They also say leaders failed to consider their input throughout the review process.

West Lafayette faculty leaders and the American Association of University Professors have voiced similar concerns in support of IPFW faculty.

Some faculty also said Purdue leaders forced the drastic cuts upon Fort Wayne, while Purdue and IPFW leaders have emphasized that the decision was made solely by IPFW, creating a tense climate amid the impending split.